i also think the "3rd lockout in 20 years" thing is too broad of a brush stroke. revenue and profitability of the league has been in a constant state of change in a way that the other major leagues haven't had to deal with. also, the last lockout was 100% necessary, and ended up being a blessing for the NHL. yet it's somehow lumped into bettman's failure?

When wil people realize the lockouts for the most part are not Gary Bettmans fault. For the most part he is the moth of the owners just like Donald Fehr is the mouth of the players., essentially they are both just reps.

Consider this...Mario Lemieux and Gary Bettman are the two biggest reasons the Pens are still in Pittsburgh. There will be work stoppages in every major sports league over time. It runs in cycles. To fault Bettman is foolish. It comes down to economics and greed.